Who's Going
Penelope Cruz, Jaier Bardem, Woody Allen, Nicole Kidman
Reason to Stay
Waterfront Location, Hip Pool Scene, Upscale Crowd
Hotel Type
Luxury Resort Hotel
For more than a few decades, it's been the grand reservation of Barcelona hotels built for the 1992 Olympics with its waterfront swimming pool with Gehry sculpture above the city's waterfront Port Olympic shops and restaurants currently enjoying resurgence after waning through much of the last decade. Ritz Carlton-managed Hotel Arts Barcelona comes via a covered valet abuzz with businessmen and wandering tourists with row of elevators that lifts guests to the reception a few floors above. Glitzy in a mid-90s kind of way, walls of glass are the backdrop for creamy hardwood floors with iridescent wall to ceiling coverings and exaggerated crystal chandelier that define the lobby and lounge.
The hotel is home four restaurants including the 1-star Michelin Enoteca serving Mediterranean faire in a modernist setting of groovy low-back chairs and cubist-looking wine shelving. The marina-level café is only open during warmer months with far too-touristy following that's best ditched for the cooler beach cafes further down the beach in either direction. A newly renovated spa operated by Six Senses offers sauna with a view, plunge pools and ridiculously perfect naked people enjoying 42nd floor gazing. The best perk, however, is the resort pool deck in the shade of the towering high-rise and Gehry whale-shaped statue that needs no improvement from the people to the food and the location.
The Room
A few years ago we checked into Hotel Arts to find faded room, unkempt bathrooms and hallways begging for the renovation that’s finally come in recent years. Entry-level rooms are well sized at just under 500-sq. feet laden with electronic perks like motorized window treatments that reveal grand city or ocean views. Limestone and marble bathrooms are once again some of the best in the city with fluffy linens and powerful showers but missing the Bulgari products of yesterday. Suites come with Japanese or Mediterranean décor choices are located on the higher floors with menu of toiletries (Acqua di Parma) as well as additional powder bath for guests. A pricier Club Level offers a 33rd floor check-in to otherwise standard rooms and suites but with complimentary food and beverage presentation throughout the day. Bi-level apartment suites were built for impact impressions with champagne on arrival, interior furnishings by local designers, full kitchen and use of a mini-cooper while in guests are in residence.
Preferred Room
1-Bedroom Apartment
Special Features
Upscale Clientele, Business Hotel, Hip Pool Scene, Waterfront Location, City Views
Amenities
Pool, Lounge, Spa, Restaurant, Cafe, Marina, Bar
